Max from Australia: "Positive but also realistic"

Published on 22 March 2018 by Raymond Snip

On the eve of the first Grand Prix of the 2018 season, Max Verstappen is addressing the assembled press in Melbourne, Australia. The 20-year-old Dutchman is now starting his fourth year in Formula 1.

"I think we have made good progress with the RB14. Of course, all teams made progress, but personally I think we have a pretty strong car. We just have to check how well the whole package works together. The straights might hurt us a little. I am definitely positive, but also realistic. So, we have to wait and see."

About his expectations regarding the new power unit in the RB14, Max said: "Better reliability, I think that would be a good step forward for us. As far as performance is concerned, we’ll have to see. "When asked about his title aspirations, he adds:" In the past, the development during the season was always one of the strengths of Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, but we will have to wait and see whether this is also the case this year. In any case, I have confidence in the team that they can build a great car and can maintain it. But it's about the entire package that has to be right."

Max does not speculate on any predictions. "I don’t know anything yet either, because we have not completed any free practice yet. We will see. I’m also still looking at many questions, which I have no answer to yet. We will have to find out on track."

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